Yes, You Can Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows Without Prior AC Experience

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is an expansive addition to the ever-evolving *Assassin's Creed* franchise, rich with history and intrigue. Whether you're diving into this game as your first *Assassin's Creed* experience or returning after a hiatus, here's what you should know to get started.

Does Assassin's Creed Shadows Overlap With Other AC Games? Answered

The *Assassin's Creed* timeline spans continents and epochs, with each installment exploring distinct historical settings. Most games, particularly those post-*Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag*, have maintained relatively standalone narratives. *Assassin's Creed Shadows* is set in 16th-century Japan, a time and place far removed from the settings of *Brotherhood* and *Revelations*, which were set in early 16th-century Italy and Constantinople. As a result, *Shadows* does not directly connect with these or any other titles in the series.

Does Assassin's Creed Shadows Have a Modern-Day Story? Answered

In its early years on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the *Assassin's Creed* series featured a modern-day storyline that intertwined the games. Fans may recall Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North, as a central figure. However, subsequent games have struggled to maintain the momentum of these modern-day narratives.

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* introduces a fresh modern-day storyline, aiming to re-engage fans with a new perspective. This means you don't need to be familiar with the previous modern-day plots to enjoy *Shadows*. The modern-day elements in *Shadows* remain sparse and shrouded in mystery, ensuring they complement the main historical narrative without overshadowing it.

Is Assassin's Creed Shadows Connected to the Series and Does it Matter If You've Played It Before?

While *Assassin's Creed Shadows* isn't a direct sequel to any previous game, Ubisoft hasn't ignored the franchise's rich history. The game includes Easter eggs, nods, and familiar iconography that will thrill long-time fans without alienating newcomers. These connections are subtle enough not to overwhelm new players.

Though *Shadows* can be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, it does feature key elements from the broader series, such as the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars. These elements are woven into the story in a way that allows both new and returning players to ease into the world of Feudal Japan without needing prior knowledge of the series' lore. The connections unfold gradually, giving everyone ample time to get acquainted with the setting and narrative.

*Assassin's Creed Shadows* is now available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.